Transcript of Participant Handbook 2013-2014 - St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church
Religious Education
Participant Handbook
Religious Education Coordinator: Vacant
Parish Secretary: Linda Clark
Parish E-Mail: stmartin_cecil@frontiernet.net
First Grade: Karen Schneider
Second Grade: Michelle Bunker & Theresa Marquette Third Grade:
Sue Wallrich Fourth Grade: Pat Pawlak & Mary Tebo Fifth Grade:
Nancy Nolan
Sixth, Seventh & Eighth Grades: Lynn Schaal
Ninth Grade: Karen Welcing
Table of Contents
Mission Statement 3 Philosophy 3 General information 4 Registration
4 Class Times 5 Program Start Dates 5 Classroom Locations 5 Faith
Formation Programs Offered 5 Liturgy of the Word for Children 5
Religion Education (Elementary Grades, 1-5) 5 Religion Education
(Middle School, 6, 7, & 8) 6 Confirmation Program (9th and 10th
Grades) 6 Adult Faith Formation 6 Parish Retreat 6 Cana Dinner 6
Family Nights 6 Sacramental Preparation Programs 6 Reconciliation
& First Communion 7 Confirmation 8 RCIA 9 Class Content 9
Liturgy of the Word 9 Elementary 9 Middle school 11 Confirmation
Classes 12 Miscellaneous 13 Attendance & Absences 13 Arrival
& Dismissal Procedures 14 Carpool & Photo Release 14
Covenant Agreement 14 Catechist Preparation 14 Christmas Program 14
Classroom Visitors 15 Discipline Policy 15 Doughnut Weekends 16
Fees 16 Health & Safety Issues 16 Parent Participation 16
Penance Service 17 Report Cards 17 Safe Environment Policy 17
Service Hours 18 Snow Days 19
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SAINT MARTIN PARISH MISSION STATEMENT St. Martin of Tours Parish is
a family oriented community in Cecil, WI in
existence since 1898. We are centered within the Catholic faith,
social justice and worship. We are committed to fostering the
spread of the
Gospel of Jesus and growing the Catholic faith in our families and
the surrounding community through religious education, outreach to
the needy and modeling Christian virtues.
PHILOSOPHY Religious Education is a process that is initiated by
the grace of the Triune God to draw a person into the love God has
for each of us through an intimacy with Jesus Christ. This process
is begun by the examples and teachings of parents at home, and
continued through the example and teaching of catechists, priests,
deacons, religious, and grandparents and godparents. It is promoted
by knowledge of the Catholic faith, moral formation, prayer, and
doing good works.
By learning about the faith in a structured setting, the community
of believers is brought to a greater understanding of faith by
interpreting the meaning of their everyday experience as a creature
of God, in the light of God’s revelation. Thus the community of
believers is led to know not just words, but Jesus, who is the
Word, so that each person encountering Jesus can be changed by the
working of grace into a new creature. Thus, a goal of this
religious education is to learn to follow Christ and to think,
judge and act like him, and to trust in and rely on the Father of
us all as he invites us to, so that Christ may be followed
throughout the world.
Goals and Objectives (taken from the National Directory for
Catechesis - NDC)
As Blessed Pope John Paul II wrote in his apostolic exhortation
Catechesi tradendae, “Catechesis is an education in the faith of
children, young people, and adult which includes especially the
teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, generally speaking, in an
organic and systematic way, with a view to initiating the hearers
into the fullness of Christian life.” All catechesis should provide
students with the opportunity to journey with Christ through the
stages of his Paschal Mystery (NDC p.116). We do not supplant, but
rather assist families by: Promoting knowledge of the faith - by
presenting the Word of God, as expressed through the Doctrines of
our Catholic Faith and in Sacred Scripture, and Sacred Tradition.
Liturgical Education - explaining how the history of salvation is
celebrated in the sacraments and in Christian liturgy, the summit
toward which the activity of the Church is directed. We must make
sacramental symbols and liturgical gestures known and loved so that
families are lead to a true understanding of liturgical life.
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Moral Formation - leading families to understand and accept the
dignity of all people as being created in the image of God. In
Christ, we see the authentic meaning of human freedom and meaning:
to love God and to serve our fellow human beings in need of our
help and love. Teaching them how to pray - using traditional and
spontaneous prayer types and drawing from the rich tradition of the
lives of the saints, we will try to draw families into a life of
prayer and union with God. Community Life – fostering the growth of
relationships and community life by prayer, social, and educational
gatherings, we will encourage families to cooperate actively in
building up the Church and its work of evangelization. The
Evangelizing Spirit – equipping individuals and families to
understand how to take Christ into their school, professional,
cultural, and social lives through practical and respectful
methods. In this way, Christ is announced to the world by word and
deed, and the world aided toward full reception of Christ.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration
Registration as a participant in our religious education program
begins on the weekend after Labor Day and ends the last Sunday
prior to the start of R.E. Online registration for the fall is
available on our parish web site:
www.stmartin-cecil.org It is our policy to have a fair and open
registration process for all. The online registration helps make
that possible and helps the parish by reducing administrative and
material costs.
As a part of participating in religious education registration at
St. Martin’s, if not already members, the family is asked to
register as a family unit. Even if another parish is your primary
parish, we ask you to register with us so that we can better
maintain contact with you. Parish Registration is completed in the
Parish Office, at 407 S. Warrington St., Cecil, WI 54111. A copy of
your child's Baptismal certificate is required upon entry into the
religious education program.
Class Times
Liturgy of the Word for Children ……… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . 9:00 am (During Sunday Mass, October through May)
Religion Education (Grades 1 through 8) Wednesday
………………….....6:30pm – 7:45pm
Confirmation Classes (Grades 9 and 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .6:30 pm to 7:45 pm, Wednesdays
Calendar Dates
All other R.E. classes start Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Liturgy of the Word for Children starts Sunday, Oct. 6, 2013 at the
9:00 Mass
Class Locations
Unless otherwise indicated, all class sessions will be in the
parish hall.
Faith Formation Programs at St. Martin’s Parish Liturgy of the Word
for Children
While parents and older children listen to the readings at Sunday
Mass, children between the ages of about 3 to 7 or so, who wish to
partake, will come up to the altar just before the First Reading
begins, with an adult facilitator. Deacon Mike will lead us all in
blessing them and then they will all go into the parish hall or a
nearby classroom, for stories based on that Sunday’s readings, at
their level. At the time of the Offertory collection, they will
re-enter church to sit again with their families. This program is
dependent upon adult volunteers, who are Virtus-certified.
Elementary Grades (1 through 5)
This program is for all children in Grades 1 through 5 who are
seeking to learn about the Catholic faith. A key point here is that
it is the
parents who must be the motivating factor in educating their
children in the faith. While religious education is important,
without the backing of parents who actually model for their
children that being a Catholic is important, the children will see
it as an empty gesture. These classes are filled with teaching
about many aspects of the faith, games, prayer and sharing. Parents
are encouraged to review at home the lessons from class. Middle
School (Grades 6 through 8 This program is designed for the Middle
School years and the energy of these students. There is a three
year cycle of subject areas. The first year focuses on the Old
Testament (also called the Hebrew Scriptures). The second year
focuses on Jesus Christ and the New Testament and the third year
focuses on Church History. The 3 grades are taught as one, so that
by the time a 6th grader completes the 8th grade, they have
completed the cycle.
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Confirmation Preparation Confirmation preparation is a two year
program, beginning in the 9th grade and ending with Confirmation in
the 10th grade. The 9th grade will lay a foundation for
Confirmation by teaching elements of the Creed, and Morality. This
will carry over into the 10th grade, where there will be more of a
focus on the Sacrament of Confirmation, its meaning and effects on
the student. There will be a Confirmation Retreat, and, as with all
students, there will be required service hours. Adult Faith
Formation Adult Formation sessions provide those over 18 with
greater knowledge and understanding of the Church’s teachings and
wisdom. They help show us how our Catholic traditions form part of
our daily lives. Adult Faith formation sessions can involve
Scripture Study, Small Christian Communities, Book Discussions and
similar activities. Since the enrichment of parents is so
important, participating in Adult Faith Formation is recommended
for all parents who have enrolled their child in Religious
Education. Parish Retreat In most years, towards the end of summer,
the parish offers a half day retreat for the adults of the parish.
The idea is to get away to a quiet place of natural beauty to pray,
listen and reflect on who we are, how we treat others and who is
God for us. There is time for solitude, for food, and for prayer.
The day concludes with Mass and a meal. Cana Dinner On the Sunday
before Lent begins, we have a Cana Dinner for married couples. We
begin in the parish hall with a presentation on a topic relevant to
the married life. Following the presentation, we all go to a local
restaurant for a couples’ dinner. All parish married couples are
invited – it’s a great night out! Family Nights Family night will
occur twice this year, on Wednesday, September 26, and Wednesday,
April 10. On those evenings, parental attendance is mandatory and
the children will not attend their regular Religious Education
Classes. Rather, the entire family attends on these evenings
together. We will begin the evening with a short presentation by
Dcn. Mike and an activity for parents and children together.
Following this, there will be some food, an activity and
fellowship. These two sessions usually last about one hour, till
7:30 pm.
Sacramental Preparation Programs at St. Martin’s First
Reconciliation & First Holy Communion
Generally, this process begins when the child starts the first
grade. Completion of the First grade at St. Martin’s is generally
required to be enrolled in the Second Grade. It is a two-year
preparation program that assists parents in readying their child in
the reception of these two sacraments.
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Religious understanding, not chronological age or school grade,
will determine a child’s readiness to encounter Christ in a
sacramental celebration. This decision of readiness rests with the
parents and the child in dialogue with the teachers and pastoral
leader. Many factors enter into a child’s readiness to receive
these sacraments. The child may be unable to understand
sufficiently about either of the sacraments. We are all on our own
faith journey, and this journey becomes easier when families 1)
talk about God and faith at home, 2) pray as a family, 3) celebrate
Saturday/Sunday Mass regularly, and 4) help one another with their
Religious Education lessons. If, instead, a child is not hearing
about God or Jesus at home, seldom prays, or attends Mass
infrequently or not at all, his/her faith journey will be much
slower even though attending religious classes. Parents know their
child better than we do. However, we can identify concepts in class
that might be giving a child difficulty. The teacher will inform
parents in this case, so that the parent can give extra assistance
at home. Confirmation We envision providing a Confirmation process
that will empower teens to: Have an opportunity to encounter the
Holy Spirit and have a conversion experience and enhance their
spiritual development. Understand and love the Sacrament of
Confirmation. Live out a sacramental life through prayer,
fellowship/community, charity, and attending Mass on a weekly
basis. Stay involved in the activities and worship of St. Martin
parish after their Confirmation. Methodology of Grade 9 Grade 9
will experience two of the four pillars of the Catechism: The Creed
and Morality. Through small group settings teens will share their
feelings and will pray with their group. To ensure a welcoming
environment, adult facilitators will guide the teens to experience
small group discussions with the help of peer leaders. Praise and
Worship is a form of prayer when we sing to God, teens will
experience the gift of praise at every session. Grade 9’s
curriculum is based on the Total Faith Initiative series published
by St. Mary Press, which is grounded in the content of the Catholic
Faith Handbook. Two of the manuals: Christian Morality and the
Creed will be the main focus, imparting a grounding in our Catholic
beliefs and how Jesus taught us to treat other people. Methodology
of Grade 10 During 10th Grade, candidates will be challenged to
develop a “more lively familiarity with the Holy Spirit – his
actions, his gifts, and his bidding” (CCC 1309). The objective here
is to impart to the candidates the tools to fully understand the
effect of the sacrament of Confirmation, which is the full
outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and seek to implant the notion that
faith formation is ongoing. Through catechesis, faith sharing,
retreat, and social interaction, candidates will be formed into a
more mature faith and voluntarily commit to being confirmed in the
Catholic faith. After Confirmation, these students are dismissed
and encouraged to attend adult enrichment programs.
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Requirements of Grades 9 and 10 Service Hours. Confirmation
candidates are to complete 20 hours of service (for 9th grade,
about three hours per month during the R.E. School Year, and for
10th graders until confirmed): consisting of some hours in the
parish, some hours outside of the parish in the community, and some
hours of your choice. Community –This would be contacting a not for
profit organization and scheduling a time to come in to volunteer.
Examples would be a food kitchen, Habitat for Humanity, tutoring
younger students, etc. Be creative and try to find something unique
and interesting to you. Church – This would involve helping with
one of our own parish ministries, for example, Food Pantry, helping
to clean the church or tend the grounds, or helping one of our
parish organizations. If you already are a minister at Mass, you
are encouraged to serve in a new capacity. The candidate is
encouraged to find a new area in the Church to help with rather
than what they are already accustomed to doing. Home – Again this
should be a service that the candidate doesn’t already do on a
consistent basis, and it may not be a service for an immediate
family member. Requirements of Grade 10 Retreat and Mass. It is a
requirement of receiving the sacrament of Confirmation that the
candidate will attend a retreat to enrich their spirit and renew
their faith as young vibrant Catholics. Therefore; missing this
retreat is not optional. Mass is also a big part of this program;
furthermore, it is a requirement to attend weekly Mass. If you
cannot do that, how is it you are ready to be confirmed in your
faith? Confirmation Study Guide. Bishop Ricken has asked that all
Catholics being confirmed know the elements of our faith contained
in the Confirmation Study Guide. Please be sure you have a good
knowledge of such things as the gifts and fruits of the Holy
Spirit, names of the 12 Apostles, names of the four Evangelists,
the seven sacraments, the corporal and spiritual works of mercy,
the Beatitudes and the Commandments. Attendance and Interview.
Attendance at the Confirmation preparation sessions is required,
since Confirmation students do not meet for the entire year.
Therefore candidates will not be able to miss any session. If
something extraordinary occurs on the very day of a session,
candidates will need to call the parish office and express the
reasoning for their absence. At that time options will be presented
for making up the missed session. In addition, there is a required
interview with the parish director sometime before the day of
Confirmation. The date and time of the interview will be assigned
and it will take place at the parish rectory. RCIA This process is
intended for Adults who are interested in learning about the
Catholic faith leading to baptism or full communion with the
Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. It is for those that were
baptized Catholic but never received their other Sacraments, those
coming from other Christian faith traditions – baptized or
un-baptized, those coming from non- Christian faith traditions or
those coming from no faith background at all. This process involves
both a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and instruction in
the Faith. We typically meet once a week beginning in the summer
with the first phase called Inquiry.
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This goes for about 12 weeks or so, until we begin the second
phase, called the Catechumenate. The third phase meets during Lent,
leading up to the Easter Vigil, the day before Easter Sunday. After
Easter, there is a short period of assessment and reflection called
Mystagogy.
Class Content and Focus Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Word
attempts to focus the young children on the Sunday Scriptures.
While comfortability with young children is needed, an advanced
theological degree is not. Instead, the adult facilitator attempts
to stay with basic ideas like God loves us very much and is happy
when we are good to others. Elementary Elementary classes usually
meet each Wednesday for seventy-five minutes. We are here to share
the Catholic faith with children and to develop their experience of
Jesus. The more that His message is lived at home, the more your
child grows spiritually. Family prayer is especially important, and
so is the need to take time for each other. Each year our lives
seem to become more hectic, and we should try to slow down and
enjoy our family. Sometimes family problems arise which greatly
affect children such as divorce, separation, or death of a loved
one, or the discovery that a child has special needs. It is
important that parents inform us when these problems occur so that
we can be more understanding, flexible, and patient with the child.
“We Believe God’s law Guides us – with Project Disciple” This
series is approved by the USCCB and has received an Imprimatur.
Each lesson has a “Dear Family” page to be completed as a family at
home. After the family has completed the activity, the parents are
to initial the page for review by the catechist at the next
session. The student will be asked to share this experience with
the class. General Procedures for Elementary Religious Education
Program The following guidelines are to help catechists and
families know what is expected from each student in the elementary
program.
The traditional prayers of the Church are to be memorized by the
student, as indicated below. In addition, we seek to encourage the
child to pray in his/her own words and to see the need for prayer.
Our faith is not lived in isolation. We are initiated into a
community of believers at Baptism, and as members of this faith
community, we share certain basic truths that form the content of
our faith. Our task, as catechists and parents, is to impart and
explain those basic truths at levels age and grade
appropriate.
Each grade has a focus and theme. Each class has certain prayers
and Bible stories they should be familiar with. Each class asks
certain involvement from parents. If the family prays, attends Mass
regularly, and talks about God, the child will
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understand more than we sometimes think. The journey of faith is
unique for each of us. The important thing is that we begin that
journey. We should ask for God’s graces to help us grow, to help us
to become the unique individual that God has created, and to know
of His great love for each of us.
Each class should begin each session with a prayer, either led by
the catechist, or, by a volunteer student.
Grade 1 Here the focus is on God’s Love for Us. The theme is Jesus
teaches us about God’s love for us. Concepts to be covered include:
Who was Jesus and who key people around him were, who followers of
Jesus are, how our parish is like our family and how we celebrate
our faith. Students should become familiar with the Creation story
in Genesis, the stories in Matthew and Luke leading up to Jesus’
birth, stories in the Gospels from the life of Jesus and from the
Passion and Resurrection. Prayers the student should know include:
The Our Father, the Hail Mary, the Sign of the Cross and the Glory
be to the Father. Students should also be taught to say grace
before eating a meal. Parental Involvement includes leading the
family in prayer at meal times, attending Mass regularly, and
talking about God within the family. It is also very good to have
some religious symbols (such as a crucifix, or religious-themed
pictures) on display in the home. Grade 2 Here, the focus is on
Jesus is Always with Us. The theme is Jesus is our best friend and
will never leave us. Concepts to be covered include: How Jesus is
with us always, why Jesus calls us to love and forgive others, why
Jesus gives us himself in the Eucharist, and how we live our
Catholic faith. Students should become familiar with Bible stories
of God speaking to the people in the Old Testament, disciples
following Jesus, Jesus healing and teaching others, the
multiplication of the loaves and fishes, the Last Supper and Jesus
washing the feet of the disciples. Prayers the student should know
include: those from first grade and the Act of Contrition. Students
should be given a Catholic child’s prayer book and Rosary for their
First Communion. Parental Involvement here includes the items from
first grade above, and, attending various sacramental preparation
sessions for First Reconciliation and First Communion. A First
Communion banner will be made with a parent in attendance. Grade 3
Here, the focus is on the Church. The theme is that we live,
celebrate and serve within the People of God, also called the
Church. Concepts include: how and why the Church came into being,
the Holy Trinity, the Church is a community of people who believe
Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and came to set us free, and
the concept of the sacraments of the Church. Students should become
familiar with Bible stories of the early Church, the descent of the
Holy Spirit, Jesus’ compassion for all people and stories of God
calling people.
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Prayers the student should know include those from previous grades
and the Apostles’ Creed, the basic way of praying a Rosary and a
form of a Morning Offering. Parental Involvement here includes the
items from previous grades and helping the child participate in
some form of social justice or volunteering to help others. Also,
showing and modeling forgiveness is strongly suggested. Grade 4
Here, the focus is on morality. The theme is growing in Jesus
Christ by following the Commandments and the Beatitudes. Concepts
include: God gives us free will and a conscience, the Commandments
and beatitudes help us to love and respect other people, human life
is sacred and we are called to act with justice, and God calls us
to be holy. Students should become familiar with Bible stories such
as Adam & Eve’s sin, the 3 temptations of Jesus, the Good
Samaritan, the Rich Young man, the Sermon on the Mount, the
Prodigal Son and the story of Thomas the Apostle. Prayers the
student should know include all from previous grades and the
Stations of the Cross and the Prayer of St. Francis. Reinforcing
the prayers and method of the Rosary are also called for. Parental
Involvement here includes the items from previous grades and
encouraging the child’s familiarity with a Catholic Bible by
reading stories together and giving the child his or her own
children’s Bible. We can suggest some good choices if need be.
Grade 5 Here, the focus is on the Sacraments of the Church. The
theme is Jesus shares his life with us through his Church and the
sacraments. Concepts include: Jesus gave the Church seven
sacraments, Jesus teaches us to pray, Jesus calls us to conversion,
and the Church has various seasons throughout the year to celebrate
God’s love for us. Students should become familiar with such Bible
stories as: the story of Joseph and his brothers, God leading the
Hebrew people out of Egypt, Samuel hearing God calling him, the
Baptism of Jesus, Peter the Rock, the miracle at Cana, the story of
Pentecost and the Christian Community. Prayers the student should
know include all from previous grades and the specific mysteries of
the Rosary, and the people’s responses at Mass. Parental
Involvement here includes the items from the previous grades and
helping their child identify ways the child can use personal
talents to help the needy. Another excellent example is teaching
the child to offer up wrongs or setbacks in silence, for the Poor
Souls in Purgatory. Middle School Grade 6 Here, the focus is on the
Hebrew Scriptures, also known as the Old Testament. The theme is
God enters into human history to begin the story of salvation.
Concepts include: an understanding that the Old Testament is
necessary and foundational to our faith, that many of the concepts
of faith we hold, such as sin, forgiveness, mercy and obedience,
are found in the Old Testament, how the Catholic Bible is set up,
that many sacraments and sacramental actions originate in the Old
Testament, and that God continually calls us to love him, just as
he did long ago with the Prophets.
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Students should become familiar with Bible stories such as Cain and
Abel, Abraham and Sarah, the call of Moses, Jeremiah and Isaiah,
the stories of David, Amos, Jonah, Elijah and Ezekiel. It is also
good to introduce some of the Psalms. Prayers, in addition to the
previous grades, should include the Beatitudes and Psalms such as
Psalm 8 and 62. Parental Involvement includes the items from the
previous grades along with helping the child identify causes of
violence and injustice in our world. Grade 7 The focus here is on
the New Testament. The theme is the Good News of salvation comes
from Jesus Christ. Concepts include: the Gospels are faith
testimonies and not biographies, Jesus is both fully human and
fully divine, Jesus is more than a wise and loving teacher; he is
the only Son of God, disciples apply the moral teachings of Jesus,
and that the mission of Jesus continues today through his Church
and through us. Students should become familiar with Bible readings
such as some of Paul’s letters to Christian communities, the Acts
of the Apostles, the Woman caught in adultery, the Transfiguration,
Peter’s three denials and the Lord’s three times of forgiveness of
him and the differences between John’s Gospel and the Synoptic
Gospels. Prayers, in addition to the previous grades, should
include learning about novenas and learning the Nicene Creed.
Parental Involvement includes the items from the previous grades
along with encouraging the young person to take a more active role
in church involvement and youth activities. Grade 8 The focus here
is on the Church and its History. The theme is the Church as the
People of God and the Body of Christ. Concepts include: the
definition and origin of our Church, the six precepts of the
Church, the four marks of the Church and the story of the Church’s
high and low points throughout its history. Students should become
familiar with Bible readings such as the Woman at the Well, the
story of the Institution of the Eucharist, the road to Emmaus, the
first Church Council at Jerusalem and the last words Jesus spoke on
earth (Matthew’s Gospel). Prayers, in addition to the previous
grades, should include learning the Confiteor, the Jesus Prayer,
and the Memorare. Parental Involvement includes the items from the
previous grades along with encouraging the young person to lead
family prayer and helping the young person to appreciate the gift
of Christian sexuality. Confirmation Classes Grade 9 The focus here
is on the Creed and on Morality. The theme is Maturing in the
Faith. Concepts include: key doctrines of the faith such as the two
natures of Christ, the Trinity and Sin, The forgiveness of sins and
the resurrection of the body, Mary’s place in the Church,
understanding and integrating into our life Jesus’ moral vision,
and our relationships with other people. Students should become
familiar with Bible readings such as the Sermon on the Mount,
Romans, ch. 12, Philippians ch. 2, and 1 Peter ch. 2.
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Prayers, in addition to the previous grades, should include
learning about Eucharistic Adoration, the three theological virtues
and the four cardinal virtues and what is a litany. Parental
Involvement includes the items from the previous grades along with
encouraging their young person to participate more fully in the
activities of the parish, especially helping with Mass. Grade 10
The focus here is on preparing to receive the sacrament of
Confirmation. The theme is understanding the role of a confirmed
Catholic. Concepts include: who is the Holy Spirit, why
Confirmation is only received once, Christian Prayer, what are the
effects of Confirmation, Living as a Disciple, and what happens
during the rite of Confirmation. Students should become familiar
with Bible readings such as Acts ch. 2, the Book of Job, Isaiah ch.
2, and John ch. 15 through 17. Prayers, in addition to the previous
grades, should include learning about three key Psalms (Psalm 23,
51 and 139) and the Acts of Faith, Hope and Charity. Parental
Involvement includes the items from the previous grades along with
helping their young person prepare for the sacrament of
Confirmation, including considering a patron saint’s name and
choosing a sponsor.
Miscellaneous Arrival and Departure Procedures Students are to be
in their class, ready to begin the session, at 6:30 p.m. Students
may be dropped off at the door at the end of the ramp, at the back
of church. Otherwise, the parent should walk young children into
the parish hall. Upon arrival, the students are to go to their
classroom, or other designated place. Only a parent or guardian, or
an adult designated by the parent and listed with the student’s
teacher, may pick up the student. Parents who need to pick up their
child early from class must first let the teacher know. Otherwise,
there will be no early departure. Attendance Parents are to call
the Parish office in advance of your child’s absence whenever
possible. If a child is absent from class without a call, the
office will contact the parent to ask why. A Student is excused
from the class for the following reasons: Illness of child or the
person who brings the child to Religious Education, Lack of
transportation, Family vacation (Please notify the catechist in
advance whenever possible,) Parent is required to work late and
cannot bring the child to class, or Doctor or dentist appointments.
Assignment of excessive amount of homework or school project. A
Student is NOT excused from the class for the following reasons:
Extracurricular activities Sporting events Birthday parties Lack of
interest
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If a student misses three classes due to unexcused absences, the
parent or guardian will be called. If a student misses four classes
due to unexcused absences, he/she may be removed from the R.E.
program. There will be no refunds for students who have been
removed from the program due to unexcused absences. Attendance at
Weekend Mass Attendance at Weekend Mass will be taken for students
in 6th through 10th grade. If there is some difficulty in parents
getting their children to Mass, please call Deacon Mike and discuss
this. If a student misses three weekend Masses and has no excuse
for this, the parent or guardian will be called. R.E. is not merely
an academic exercise; it is intended to reinforce the growth of
faith in the student. This is not done to impose any sort of
penalty, but instead, is a way of gently asking students and
families why are we sending our children to R.E. in the first
place? Is it simply a place for them to go once a week, or, is it a
desire that the Catholic faith be implanted in them now, to help
them with decisions that will confront them later in life? Weekly
Mass attendance speaks volumes to your children, as does
consistently skipping Mass. Carpool and Photo Release All parents
were required to fill out the photo and/or carpool release forms
during the registration process. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES may a minor
be photographed without written permission from the parents on file
in the Parish Office. No student will be allowed to enter a private
vehicle for transportation to any St. Martin parish function
without written permission from their parents on file in the Parish
Office. Covenant Agreement Any student participating in the St.
Martin Parish R.E. program must have a parent or guardian sign a
Covenant of Partnership form, which is a part of the registration
packet. Parents, catechists and the Parish are all agreeing to
support and further the child’s religious education at St. Martin
Parish. Catechist Preparation Catechists should have lesson plans
prepared, designed to complete as much of the material as is
feasible. All catechists are encouraged to attend Adult Faith
Formation events and pursue continued education. All catechists
will comply with the Diocesan policy on teacher-catechist
certification, once it is finalized. Catechists, as proclaimers and
faith filled people, should be attending Mass weekly, and praying
daily. Christmas Program Each December, during the last class
session before Christmas, the students will participate in their
individual classes, in a program or event designed around the theme
of the Nativity of Our Lord. Parental involvement and attendance is
important to this type of program.
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Classroom Visitors In order to better maintain the safety of our
children and volunteers, the following guidelines are required for
visitors to the classroom.
Parents are welcomed and encouraged to sit in on classes in which
their children are students. All Parents/Visitors who wish to sit
in on a class must be 18 years of age. All Parents/Visitors must
check with the catechist in charge before entering a class. Any
Classroom guest speakers must be approved by the parish director
prior to
speaking to the students. An outline of the subject matter must be
submitted no later than one week prior to the class they will be
speaking at.
Discipline Policy Parents can support catechists by ensuring that
their children understand some basic rules:
Attend class weekly unless they have an approved excuse, Refrain
from “horseplay” in the hallways, classrooms, or in the church, Do
not abuse bathroom breaks, Turn off all mobile devices during class
time, Respect each other both in and out of class, Respect their
catechist and follow their directions, Avoid abusive or vulgar
language, and Respect materials, supplies, tables, chairs, and all
other items.
Discipline Policy Steps
Step One: A verbal communication by the catechist as to what they
have done wrong. Step Two: The student will be removed temporarily
from the activity and the catechist
will counsel with the student about his/her actions and how those
actions affect the safety and feelings of others.
Step Three: The student will be removed from the class and sent to
the Pastoral Leader. The Pastoral Leader will again counsel the
child. The child’s return to the classroom at this point is up to
the discretion of the catechist and the Pastoral Leader. The
student will be told that if there is another problem, the next
time the parents will be called.
Step Four: The student will be removed from the class and sent to
the Pastoral Leader. The student’s parents will be notified. The
parent/guardian will be required to meet with the Pastoral Leader
before reinstatement into the class. The Pastoral Leader will
request that the parents work together with the student’s catechist
to eliminate the problem.
Step Five: The student will be removed from the class and sent to
the Pastoral Leader. The student’s parents will be notified. The
student’s parent/guardian will have to sit in the classroom for the
next two class periods, in order for the student to be reinstated
into the class.
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Doughnut - Mass Weekends Each class, from 1st grade through 10th
grade, will participate in a once a month service to the parish.
This consists of taking the roles of lector and gift bearers (and
altar servers, if in that grade) at a weekend parish Mass. Two
grades will combine for one Mass, once a month from November
through April. After this Mass, the same two grades will, along
with the parents of those students, prepare and serve sweet breads
or doughnuts (or similar items) for those attending that Mass. Fees
Fees are paid to help offset the cost of providing religious
education to our students. There is a two-track fee structure. The
fees for children of registered parishioners is less than that for
non-registered parishioners. The fee for the first child of a
family to attend R.E. classes at St. Martin’s is $35.00. The fee
for the first child of a non-parishioner is $75.00. The fees for
the second child of a family are: $25.00 and $50.00. The fees for a
third or more children of a family are: $15.00 and $30.00. Fees are
due in full before the first class. Please note: St. Martin parish
will not turn away any child whose parent/guardian is financially
unable to pay an R.E. fee. If a parent/guardian has a problem with
paying a fee, please contact the Parish Director. First
Reconciliation & First Holy Communion The second graders will
be prepared to receive the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and
First Holy Communion during the second grade. These students will
make their first confessions sometime before the Christmas Break,
with their parents in attendance. The students will be taught a
simple examination of conscience and the method of the sacrament,
including the Act of Contrition. The second graders will also be
prepared to make their First Holy Communion, which normally occurs
on the first Sunday in May. These students will be taught, at their
level, about the Real Presence of Jesus in the sacrament. They will
also have a practice session the weekend before the first Sunday in
May, to be attended by at least one parent/guardian of each
student. Each student, along with a parent, will attend a Saturday
morning session before the First Communion, to make a personalized
communion banner, which will be hung in church for the First
Communion Mass. Health & Safety Issues A section is provided on
the registration form for the parent to indicate any health
problems, special needs, and/or special learning needs. It is
imperative that each parent reflects on this section carefully and
provided ALL necessary information. Information in this section is
kept confidential and communicated to the catechist only. Please
note, that unless special arrangements are made with the Parish
Director in advance, catechists may not distribute any medication
to students. Parent Participation Parent/guardian participation in
the St. Martin R.E. program is essential. We cannot expect the
teaching and efforts of the catechists to mean much if there is
little or no follow up at home. Parents are expected to go over
with their children:
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what was covered in class, whether there is any homework, whether
any church-R.E. events are coming up, the report card sent home
with the student.
Also, parents must attend two family night sessions with their
children. The first session is held at the start of the school
year, and the last session is held at the end of the school year.
Parents are encouraged to participate in the class of their student
by volunteering as an aide or a parish hall monitor. Parents are
also expected to help with the doughnut-Mass weekend for which
their student’s class is serving. Parents are also strongly
encouraged to attend the Christmas Program. Penance Service
Reconciliation with the Lord is something many Catholics no longer
seek through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Or, if they do so, it
may be several years between confessions. The point of this
sacrament is not that God cannot forgive us our sins without
confessing them to a priest; it is that seeking the forgiveness of
God and others in a structured way leads us to peace. Because of
the importance of this sacrament, St. Martin Parish offers it for
one half hour before the start of weekend Mass and also by
appointment. During the R.E. school year, we make the sacrament
available at our annual Lenten Penance Service. There is a communal
aspect to this service, culminating in individual confession. All
parents and R.E. students are expected to attend this service and
also receive this sacrament. How can we model good behavior for our
children when only the child is expected to receive this sacrament?
As with all R.E. classes, there is to be respectful behavior during
these services, which includes NO CELLPHONES OR MOBILE DEVICES on
or in use. Report Cards We want our children to make progress in
our faith as they attend Religion Education classes. One way to
support this is to discuss aspects of the faith at home, to pray
and to attend weekly Mass. Another way is to report on the child’s
progress. This is usually done with a report card. While the
detailed reports of academic life may not be necessary, St.
Martin’s R.E. program will have a basic report for
parents/guardians twice a school year. The report card will review
some basic categories, such as attendance, class participation,
knowledge of material and suitability to advance to the next grade.
Parents should expect the report card before Christmas and after
the second last class. All aspects and requirements of the grade in
which a student is placed, must be met before that student can
advance to the next grade in our R.E. program. Safe Environment
Policy The United States Congress of Catholic Bishops has released
a charter for the protection of children and young people. As a
result, the Diocese of Green Bay (and most other dioceses around
the country) has developed a training program and Code that ALL
adults interacting in any significant way with minors in a parish,
MUST be part of.
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All volunteers and catechists working with minor children are
responsible to adhere to the Diocese of Green Bay’s Safe
Environment Program. The program is outlined in the Policies on
Appropriate Conduct of the Diocese of Green Bay, and these are
available for review in the Parish Office. Safe Environment
regulations require that all parish employees and all adult
volunteers who have regular contact with children, complete a form
authorizing criminal background checks, list personal references,
complete the Virtus Protecting God’s Children Adult Awareness
training and sign an Agreement promising to adhere to these
diocesan and parish policies. In this day and age, thanks be to
God, we are much more aware of the potential for abusing children.
Virtus training is highly recommended for anyone who works with
children or youth groups. Service Hours Service hours are an
affirmation that Jesus gave us two great commandments, upon which
all other commandments and morals depend: Love God with your whole
heart, mind and soul and love your neighbor as you would love
yourself. In order to foster this sense of service to other people,
St. Martin R.E. program requires that all students perform some
type of real service to others. The service hours are structured so
that they are less at the younger ages and more for older students.
There is also a form that will be available to properly record
service hours, so that the catechist can be assured that the
service hours for that grade level were met. Service hours must be
performed in three different time slots, from June through April of
the following year. Each time slot must have at least 1 service
hour performed within it. The service hours can include summer camp
service to others, but all service hours should be made up of some
hours in the parish, some hours outside of the parish in the
community, and some hours of your choice. Community –This would be
contacting a not for profit organization and scheduling a time to
come in to volunteer. Examples would be a food kitchen, Habitat for
Humanity, tutoring, etc. Be creative and try to find something
unique and interesting to you. Church – This would involve helping
with one of our own parish ministries, for example, Food Pantry,
helping to clean the church or tend the grounds, or helping one of
our parish organizations. If you already are a minister at Mass,
you are encouraged to serve in a new capacity. The candidate is
encouraged to find a new area in the Church to help with rather
than what they are already accustomed to doing. Home – Again this
should be a service that the candidate doesn’t already do on a
consistent basis, and it may not be a service for an immediate
family member. All required service hours must be completed before
the first class scheduled in April. Service hours must be approved
in advance if it involves a special project or an unusual request –
check with your catechist first if there is any question. These are
the St. Martin’s parish service hour requirements: First Grade
First graders must complete 3 hours of service during the school
year, before the last class. These service hours can be done for
family members or neighbors, and should be done with the knowledge
and approval of the parent/guardian. Examples can include helping
an elderly person with chores, or helping your teacher with some
project.
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